Symptoms, Quality of Life and level of functioning of traumatized refugees at Psychiatric Trauma Clinic in Copenhagen

37 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To characterize physical and mental health in trauma exposed refugees by describing a population of patients with regard to background,  mental health history and current health problems; and to identify pre- and post-migratory predictors of mental health.
Method: All patients receiving treatment at the Psychiatric Trauma Clinic for Refugees in Copenhagen from April 2008 to February 2010 completed self-rating inventories on symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety as well as level of functioning and quality of life before treatment. Then, associations of pre and
post-migratory factors with mental health were explored using linear and logistic regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.
Results: Among the patients, the prevalence of depression, somatic disease, pain, psychotic symptoms co-existing with PTSD and very low level of functioning was high. Persecution, being an ex-combatant and living currently in social isolation were significantly associated with PTSD arousal symptoms and self-reported pain.
Conclusions: New treatment modalities should seek to address all of the  symptoms and challenges of the patients including psychotic and somatic symptoms and social isolation, and studies of treatment effect should clarify all co-morbidities so that comparable populations can be included in treatment evaluation studies.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftTorture (on-line udgave af Torture Journal)
Vol/bind24
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)25-39
Antal sider15
ISSN1997-3322
StatusUdgivet - 2014

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